Just 51 days before his 30th birthday, iconic New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski on Sunday night announced on social media he has retired from the NFL after nine standout seasons.

“Gronk” takes a back seat to no other tight end in NFL history.

He combined a behemoth’s frame (6-foot-6, 265 pounds) with uncommon speed, athleticism and pass-catching instincts to become pro football’s most dangerous, accomplished tight ends for much of this decade.

He was the prototypical multi-dimensional tight end. The Patriots could line him up at the traditional spot next to an offensive tackle with one hand in the turf, or split him out to the slot, or far out wide – and he’d be equally effective.

Until injuries mounted and slowed him down late in his career, Gronkowski was a defensive coordinator’s nightmare. He could outrun nearly all linebackers, out-physical nearly all defensive backs, and outfight them all for the ball.

As injuries mounted and slowed him down, Gronkowski this past season proved that – unlike many of his late-decade, star-receiving tight end contemporaries – he could be equally effective as a tenacious run blocker.

But, indeed, injuries marred his career – limiting his production and ultimately forcing him to call it quits when he should have been cruising through his prime. He underwent numerous, major surgeries on his forearm, back and knee.

A Buffalo-area native, Gronkowski missed five games in 2012, nine regular-season and two playoff games in 2013, and eight regular-season and three playoff games in 2016.

“It all started at 20 years old, on stage at the NFL Draft when my dream came true,” Gronkowski announced on Instagram, “and now here I am about to turn 30 in a few months, with a decision I feel is the biggest of my life so far.

“I will be retiring from the game of football today.”

He further wrote that he is grateful to Patriots owner Robert Kraft and football czar and head coach Bill Belichick for “drafting my silliness in 2010.”

From 2010-19 Gronkowski caught 521 passes, mostly from Tom Brady – 79 of which went for touchdowns. In 16 playoff games he caught 12 TDs.

Gronk’s greatest, most clutch catch had to be the last one of his career, late in Super Bowl LIII early last month. With the score tied 3-3 and under eight minutes remaining, Brady lofted a long, deep throw to Gronk against tight double coverage – yet Gronk hauled it in for a 29-yard gain down to the Los Angeles Rams’ two-yard line.

It was the play of the year in the NFL. One snap later, running back Sony Michel ploughed in for New England’s winning touchdown.

Belichick issued a statement Sunday night. Considering how much of a miserly praise dispenser Belichick is, these words resonate more than the usual player-retirement platitudes from an admiring coach:

“Rob was a major reason why we won games and championships. His elite combination of size, skill, intelligence, toughness and ability to perform in pressure situations set him apart.

“Rob’s impact on our team and organization was felt in many ways. In the ultimate team sport, Rob was a great, great teammate. His production spoke for itself, but his daily attitude, unmistakably positive energy wherever he went, and toward whoever he touched, will never be forgotten.

“Rob will leave an indelible mark on the Patriots organization and the game as among the best, most complete players at his position to ever play.”

Indeed, keeping his outsize personality and love of the night life out of it, Gronkowski ought to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2023.

Kraft said this in a statement:

“In the nine years that I have known Rob Gronkowski, I have never known him to have a bad day. He always has a youthful exuberance about him and is a joy to be around. As a player, he earned the respect of his coaches and teammates for his hard work, preparation, selfless attitude and the sheer dominance of his game. ‘Gronk’ quickly became a fan favorite and the most dominant player at his position for nearly a decade. I look forward to honoring him in the near future as both a Patriots and Pro Football Hall of Famer.

“As great of a player as he was, he is an even better person and ambassador of the game. Throughout his career he made countless appearances in the community, and there was no better remedy for hospital patients than a visit from Gronk.”

After thanking everyone in the Patriots organization in his Instagram post, Gronkowski thanked the team’s fans.

“Thank you to all of Pats Nation around the world for the incredible support since I have been apart of this first-class organization. Thank you for everyone accepting who I am, and the dedication I have put into my work to be the best player I could be.

“But now it’s time to move forward and move forward with a big smile, knowing that the New England Patriots organization, Pats Nation and all my fans will be truly a big part of my heart for rest of my life.”

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